George Zimmerman Trial Verdict Sparks Nationwide Protests

On Saturday, a jury found George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer who shot and killed unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford, FL, not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter. Protests emerged on Sunday with large groups in Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Miami and other U.S. cities in response to the ruling. In New York City, protesters gathered in Times Square after marching about two miles from Union Square, shouting "What do we want?" "Justice!" "When do we want it?" "Now!" and "No justice, no peace." The Rev. Jesse Jackson called for peaceful protests, stating, "What will happen if there, in fact, are riots, gives sympathy to Zimmerman, and discredits Trayvon. Trayvon deserves sympathy. Zimmerman and his school of thought do not."

While most marches remained peaceful, the scene in Los Angeles got a little rough, with people throwing rocks and concrete at LAPD officers, according to police spokesman Andrew Smith. He also said police made nine arrests.

President Obama shared a few words after the trial, stating Martin's death "was a tragedy. Not just for his family, or for any one community, but for America." He urged everyone to respect the jury's decision, question whether the nation is doing what it can to put a halt to gun violence, and ask how the country can prevent this from happening again as an honor to Martin.

Activists continued to push for civil rights charges, and the U.S. Justice Department said they are investigating the case to see if there is enough evidence to support Zimmerman's prosecution in federal court. The accused's family and friends believe civil rights groups don't have enough facts to claim this was a racially motivated confrontation. The Martin family could still sue Zimmerman in civil court for wrongful death, as O.J. Simpson's alleged victim's families did—and won $33.5 million after Simpson was found not guilty of murder. The prosecution would have to prove only that Zimmerman is "more likely than not" responsible for Martin's wrongful death.

What do you think of the aftermath from the George Zimmerman trial? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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